Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans has openly discussed how he was pushed "close to the edge" following a scandal on Strictly Come Dancing. The 53 year old former Go Compare star has criticised the BBC's hit dance show, accusing it of being "fundamentally flawed in its duty of care".

His remarks come nearly a year after his stint on the popular dance competition, where he was paired with professional dancer Katya Jones for the 20th series.

However, in May, Evans announced that the BBC had severed ties with him and he would no longer host on BBC Radio Wales, following an apology for using "inappropriate language" during the launch of the Strictly tour.

He also shared his experience of seeking psychiatric help in the aftermath of the controversy. In a recent post, the tenor stated: "Tim Davie publicly promised that the BBC would safeguard people who took part in Strictly.

"I thought about that promise while sitting in a psychiatrist's office near the BBC, staring out of the window at the BBC building, fighting to save my own life. That's how close I came to the edge.", reports The Mirror.

He continued: "I'm not writing this as a victim, as I said I will own my mistakes. I'm writing it because the system is broken. Strictly is now fundamentally flawed in its duty of care. It's allowed to continue because of ratings, while people's wellbeing is left in tatters."

Evans further accused the BBC of perpetuating a series of "lies and cover‐ups in order to absolve themselves of any wrongdoing", describing this as the "hardest part" for him.

He remarked: "From my dealings right at the very top with (BBC director-general) Tim Davie, through BBC Wales and the HR department, one feeling has been constant: the only thing they truly care about is protecting themselves and their jobs and Ratings – people come second.

"When I first stepped into the rehearsal room at Strictly, I thought it would be a magical experience. And at the start, it was. But the very first thing I was told was: 'Don't trust anyone in this room - not even me.'".

"That hit me hard. I've always worn my heart on my sleeve, and while I may sometimes sail close to the line, there's never malice in what I do. What I wasn't prepared for was the way people will protect their personal and BBC brands, at any cost."

In his statement, Evans also accused the HR department of fabricating evidence, stating they had "twisted facts, invented files and dates, and created a version of events that simply wasn't true".

He disclosed: "Statements were issued in my name that I hadn't even seen, let alone agreed to. My voice was taken away."

Previously, he had issued an apology following a Mail On Sunday report in January that claimed he made a sexual joke aimed at fellow professional dancer Janette Manrara.

Later, in May, he clarified to the Sun that the remark made during the show's tour was neither sexual nor targeted at any female cast member, but was actually a nickname for fellow contestant, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick.

The BBC has chosen not to comment on Evans' allegations made via social media.

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